The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has waded into the drama playing out in Adamawa State supplementary governorship election, saying the action of the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ari Hudu, declaring the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election when the process had not been concluded, was an usurpation of powers of the Returning Officer.
The Commission also said Hudu’s action was null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
In a post via its verified Twitter handle on Sunday, INEC, in a statement signed by Barr. Festus Okoye, the
National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education, also suspended futher collation of results as all critical officials involved are to report at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja immediately.
“The attention of the Commission has been drawn to a purported declaration of winner in the Adamawa Governorship election by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) even when the process has clearly not been concluded.
“2. The action of the REC is a usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer. It is null, void and of no effect.
“Consequently, the collation of results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.
“3. The REC, Returning Officer and all involved are hereby invited to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja immediately. Detailed statement to follow shortly,” Okoye stated.
